Neck support device

Abstract

A neck support device comprises a flat, portable device comprised of a central malleable but supportive inner core or endoskeleton covered by a comfortable padded shell. The device shapes into a structure, supporting a user's head by translating the weight of the user' head to the user's shoulder, bypassing the neck, thus allowing relaxation of the supportive structures of the neck. The neck support device comprises a flexible and bendable inner core and an outer sheath material. Portions of the device may be bent into a support position by the user to support the user's head. The device may be bent into a substantially flat configuration for storage. The device may comprise contoured padding located for support or comfort and slip-resistant materials or surfaces. The device may translate the weight of the user's head from a head portion to a shoulder portion via a neck portion.

That which is claimed: 
     
       1. A device to support the head and neck of a person comprising:
 an inner core, the inner core comprising a head portion, a shoulder portion, and a neck portion each comprising user-bendable, shape-retaining material, such that the head portion, the shoulder portion, and the neck portion are each individually user-bendable and shape-retaining, such that the head portion and the neck portion are user-bendable and shape-retaining in relation to each other, and such that the shoulder portion and the neck portion are user-bendable and shape-retaining in relation to each other; and 
 an outer sheath material at least partially encasing the inner core; 
 the head portion dimensioned to bear the weight of the head of the person, the weight exerting a force; 
 the neck portion connecting the head portion and the shoulder portion and translating the force exerted upon the head portion to the shoulder portion, the shoulder portion configured to be positioned on the shoulder of the person; 
 at least a portion of an edge of the head portion adjoining a first edge of the neck portion; and 
 at least a portion of an edge of the shoulder portion adjoining a second edge of the neck portion, the second edge of the neck portion opposing the first edge of the neck portion. 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the inner core comprises aluminum. 
 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the aluminum is soft temper aluminum. 
 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the inner core comprises plastic. 
 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the outer sheath material of the shoulder portion comprising a gripping surface. 
 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the outer sheath material completely encasing the inner core. 
 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the outer sheath material of the head portion comprises padding. 
 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the padding is configured to be positioned adjacent the occiput, the mastoid process, the angle of the mandible, and the mentum of the person when the device is in use. 
 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the padding comprises circumaural padding, the circumaural padding having a cavity dimensioned to receive the ear of the person. 
 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the inner core flattens, reducing the profile of the device for storage. 
 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a shoulder strap, the shoulder strap comprising: 
 a paddle and a harness for removably securing the shoulder portion to the paddle; 
 a first belt segment attached at a first end to the paddle; 
 a second belt segment attached at a first end to the paddle; 
 a second end of the first belt segment and a second end of the second belt segment adjustably secured to one another; 
 the first belt segment and the second belt segment configured for retaining the paddle securely against a shoulder of the person. 
 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the first belt segment and the second belt segment are adjustably secured to one another with hook and loop fasteners. 
 
     
     
       13. The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the outer sheath material of the head portion comprises fleece. 
 
     
     
       14. The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the outer sheath material comprises a breach dimensioned to allow passage of the inner core.